Maverick Philosopher

Of 'Broach' and 'Brook'

I just found this sentence at Puffington Host: "He is so insecure, he will broach no criticism."  You may easily guess whom the author is huffing and puffing over.

But one does not broach no criticism; one brooks no criticism.

I brook no contradiction on this point.

Language matters.

Word of the Day: Fainéant

n. irresponsible idler.

adj. idle and ineffective: indolent.

A Guide to Eighteenth Century English Vocabulary

Fascinating.

Word of the Day: Thalassocracy

A thalassocracy (from Greek language θάλασσα (thalassa), meaning "sea", and κρατεῖν (kratein), meaning "to rule", giving θαλασσοκρατία(thalassokratia), "rule of the sea") is a state with primarily maritime realms—an empire at sea (such as the Phoenician network of merchant cities) or a sea-borne empire. (Wikipedia)

Example:

Putin is now massing troops near Ukraine. Iran is absorbing Iraq and Syria. China has carved out a thalassocracy in the South China Sea. Tensions will only rise in these areas in the next 90 days, to the point of either outright war or more insidious and humiliating withdrawals from U.S. interests and allies. Either scenario favors Trump’s Jacksonian bluster.

Related articles

'Pinkwashing'

Bibi and Barry: Fundamental Differences

Word of the Day: Razzia

Definition:  A hostile raid for purposes of conquest, plunder, and capture of slaves, especially one carried out by Moors in North Africa.

Origin:  Mid 19th century: via French from Algerian Arabic ġāziya 'raid'.

Example:  "So by way of repetition, and in the face of paralyzing ennui, we affirm that this act of despicable treachery, this razzia in Orlando, arises out of the Islamic religion."